Translation guide
The state of being unable to make a decision. In Japanese, this is often expressed through nouns describing hesitation, verbs for wavering, or set phrases about being unable to decide.
Describing the feeling or condition of being unable to decide
A common noun meaning chronic indecisiveness or being wishy-washy. Often used to describe a person's character.
He is indecisive and can't seem to make up his mind.
A noun meaning hesitation, doubt, or being lost in thought. More about the mental state of wavering.
I have doubts and can't make a decision.
Hesitation or faltering, often in the moment before acting. Slightly more literary.
After some hesitation, he finally replied.
Expressing that you are stuck choosing between two or more things
The most direct and natural way to say 'I can't decide.' Use the potential negative form of 決める.
I can't decide which one to choose.
Literally 'I am lost/wavering.' Very common for expressing indecision in the moment.
I'm trying to decide which color to go with.
A more formal way to say 'I'm having trouble deciding.' Uses the かねる suffix meaning 'difficult to do.'
I'm having difficulty deciding on my career path.
Describing someone who is habitually indecisive
Describing a brief pause due to uncertainty
The English noun 'indecision' doesn't have a single perfect Japanese equivalent. Using 不決断 (ふけつだん) is rare and unnatural. Instead, use the phrases and words above depending on context.
迷う (まよう) is about being lost among options in your mind. ためらう is about hesitating to take an action, often due to fear or reluctance. 迷っている focuses on the state of indecision, while ためらっている focuses on the pause before acting.
He lacks decisiveness, so he's not suited to be a leader.
An idiomatic expression meaning to hesitate or think twice before doing something. Literally 'to step with the second foot.'
I hesitated at the high price.